Department of History

The Office of Global Affairs features Antonia Romana Zito for the Global Visionaries series. Antonia is a senior double-majoring in International Studies and History in the College of Arts & Sciences. Antonia was recognized as a 2025 Husky 100 and is passionate about advocating for migrants and refugees, being trilingual, and making a global impact.

Seattle sees thousands mobilize on May Day each year to advocate for immigrant and worker rights, echoing traditions starting from labor protests decades ago. James Gregory, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

The University of Washingtons graduate and professional degree programs were widely recognized as among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Reports 2026 Best Graduate Schools released late Monday.

When Quintard Taylor, professor emeritus of history at the UW, launched BlackPast in 2007, he didnt realize attacks on history would make the site as necessary as it has proved to be.

The Conversation turned to Christopher Tounsel, associate professor of history at the UW, to explain what the war has cost and where it could turn now.

Admitted students and families can engage with the College of Arts and Sciences through several department and program specific events over the next few weeks.

"When the high and mighty of Silicon Valley assumed their privileged perch at the swearing-in of President Trump, it was an ostentatious show of wealth and power unlike any before," writes columnist Mark Barabak. Margaret O'Mara, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

The UW department of history presented its 50th anniversary History Lecture Series on Jan. 22, hosted by UW associate professor Joel Walker. The lecture, part of the topic “River Histories,” explained four aspects of the Nile River and its connections to ancient Egypt.  

Bad Bunny's new album, "Debir Tirar Mas Fotos," dropped earlier this month. It features traditional folk music from Puerto Rico, where the artist is from. The lyrics touch on the gentrification of Puerto Rico and draw a stark parallel with Hawaii. Ileana Rodriguez-Silva, associate professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

The College of Arts & Sciences is home to many distinguished researchers, faculty, and students. Their work and contributions have been featured in media outside of the UW and across the country. Take a look at some ArtSci features from this past Autumn Quarter. With everything from AI to Orca whales, ArtSci people and research in the media has something for everyone.

Silicon Valley executives, some who have long had contentious relationships with President-elect Donald Trump, are pledging money and support to Trump's incoming administration. Margaret O'Mara, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

The extraordinary pace of Microsoft’s ascent is what stands out in retrospect. The company, which is marking its 50th anniversary next year, was well on its way to dominating its industry by the time it arrived in the Seattle region from Albuquerque in 1979. Seven years later, in March 1986, the company made its debut on the New York Stock Exchange, at a market value of more than $500 million. So what can be learned from a fresh look at Microsoft’s startup years? Margaret O'Mara, professor of history at the UW, is quoted.

The free trade era that has defined the U.S. economy for decades made clear winners and losers. It tanked the Rust Belt, but sent the Pacific Northwest’s global economy to new heights. Washington state has always benefited from its international companies and the free flow of talent across borders. So what does the potential end of the free trade era mean for our economy? Margaret O'Mara, professor of history at the UW, is interviewed.

In the College of Arts & Sciences, we are proud to celebrate our first-generation community through a collection of stories! We honor our faculty and staff, and their many contributions to our university community and beyond.

Famous fiends like zombies, vampires and werewolves are hallmarks of All Hallow's Eve. But how much do you know about why that is, and where those creatures come from? Charity Urbanski, teaching professor of history at the UW, is interviewed.